Business
Transport Topics business coverage focuses on the financial, economic, and commercial aspects of the modern freight business. Looking at both the microeconomic and macroeconomic forces shaping bottom lines, the news in this category includes labor news, jobs reports, tonnage and sales indicators, operations analysis, money and banking, mergers, acquisitions, e-commerce, bankruptcy, insurance issues, and more.
Tesla to Face Fresh Autopilot Scrutiny After Company Snubs NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board on Feb. 25 will convene its second hearing on a fatal crash involving Tesla Inc.’s automated driver-assist technology, even though the pioneering automaker hasn’t filed formal responses to recommendations stemming from the first one more than two years ago.
UPS Requests Exemption for Driver-Trainees to Operate Doubles
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced Feb. 24 that it is seeking comment on a 2019 request from United Parcel Service Inc. in which the carrier seeks a five-year renewable exemption from federal regulations in order to allow its driver-trainees with commercial learner permits to operate twin 28-foot trailers on public roads.
FlowBelow Appoints Rick Ruebusch CEO
ATLANTA — FlowBelow Aero Inc. has hired Rick Ruebusch as CEO to support its growth plans, and also announced that its flagship tractor aerodynamic system is now available as a factory option on new Volvo models.
FMCSA Unveils 'Tech-Celerate Now' to Promote Adoption of Safety Technology
ATLANTA — Tech-Celerate Now, FMCSA’s first-of-its-kind program to bring together government agencies and private sector industry leaders to promote advanced driver assistance systems, got a boost at American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting.
Coronavirus Cuts Prompt DSV Panalpina to Open Cargo Flights Between Alabama, China
Danish company DSV Panalpina is opening a route between Alabama and China in response to shipping cutbacks over the coronavirus.
Nissan Warns About Future of European Plants as Brexit Weighs
Nissan Motor Co. gave the starkest warning yet on the future of the Japanese group’s car factories in western Europe, with a plant in the U.K. threatened by Brexit and another in Spain suffering from a slump in demand.
Utility Launches Aerodynamic Trailer Tail
ATLANTA — Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. introduced its Utility Aerodynamic Tail, which diminishes the normal turbulence at the back of a trailer. It also directs heat from that space, which is important for refrigerated trailers, a segment Utility dominates in market share.
Cojali Introduces New Hardware, Vehicle Connectivity for Its Diagnostics Software
ATLANTA — Cojali Group has introduced next-generation hardware and connected-vehicle capabilities for its Jaltest diagnostics software designed for all makes and models of commercial trucks.
Warren Buffett Says Supply Chain, Economy Will Recover From Coronavirus Woes
OMAHA, Neb. — Billionaire Warren Buffett says the viral outbreak in China has slowed economic growth, but he remains confident in the long-term future of American business.
Trailer-Sharing Platform vHub to Launch in US Market
ATLANTA — Digital asset-sharing platform vHub is bringing its trailer sharing and repositioning marketplace to the U.S. trucking industry.